TUSCALOOSA — Former Alabama quarterback Blake Sims said he'd have a sore arm on Thursday morning.

For the first time since leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship in 2014, Sims took to the practice field to throw passes during Alabama's pro day.

Sims said Wednesday was a chance for him to see his "young brothers" perform well on one of their biggest stages before the NFL draft.

"It wasn't about me today," Sims said. "I just came out more to just for a bit of happiness. Today gave me a lot of hope and faith. It showed that I could still do it if I keep it pushing."

Sims won two national championships as a backup at Alabama in 2012 and 2013, then threw for 3,487 yards and 28 touchdowns as a redshirt senior in 2014.

Sims was signed by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 to play running back, then got picked up by Tampa Bay before last season.

Sims only got a day to throw to receivers Calvin Ridley, Robert Foster and Cam Sims, but he said it was like he never left Alabama.

"When I saw Calvin running down the field, I just noticed his speed," Sims said. "It was like throwing to No. 9 (Amari Cooper) all over again. They have amazing work ethic and they're all great players."

With several NFL scouts and head coaches in attendance, Sims said Wednesday's workout may have indirectly helped him as well.

Sims also admitted that he wouldn't mind a shot to play quarterback in the NFL, but any position will do.

"I haven't thrown like this since my pro day," Sims said. "I haven't even picked up a ball. I've been catching now that I'm playing running back. I was really surprised how I was throwing the ball myself."

Sims also gave his thoughts on Alabama's quarterback situation, recalling his days dealing with criticism as the starter.

Tua Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts in the second half of the national championship game, leading the Tide to an overtime victory over Georgia.

"It was amazing to see the smile on Jalen's face during that whole thing," Sims said. "It just shows you the kind of winner he is and how it's all about the team to him. He handled it better than I would have.

"It's good that they can both give the defense something to think about. I wish nothing but the best for the both of them."

After helping NFL hopefuls possibly achieve their dreams on Wednesday, Sims said he'll get back to work on his own career.

After his playing days are over, Sims said he may coach but would like to have a shot at broadcasting first.

He still had one more jab with Alabama head coach Nick Saban before the day was over.

"I looked at Saban and asked if his arm's still better than mine," Sims said. "That was a plus time, too. It's too bad I'm not married. Otherwise, I'd be getting a massage from my wife after this."